NAF Air Strikes Destroy Terrorists Hideouts In Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced on Monday that its Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) carried out precision air strikes on July 6, 2025, targeting key Boko Haram strongholds in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State.

The strikes reportedly destroyed the terrorist enclaves and killed several insurgents.

Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, confirmed the operation in a statement.

“The high-profile targets, Wa Jahode and Loghpere, that were destroyed, have long served as fortified enclaves for the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction of Boko Haram,” said Gabkwet.

Located in the mountainous region bordering Cameroon, the Mandara Mountains have historically served as strategic hideouts for insurgents due to their difficult terrain. Recent intelligence suggested an uptick in terrorist activity in the area, including the presence of senior JAS commanders and a build-up of logistics.

“The locations, known for their rugged, mountain-covered terrain along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon, had recently witnessed increased terrorist activity, including reports of a logistics build-up and the presence of senior JAS commanders,” Gabkwet explained.

He said that confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions had revealed suspicious clusters of structures, some bearing black flags and equipped with solar panels—an indication of insurgent occupation and preparation for renewed attacks.

“The strikes followed confirmatory intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions revealing clusters of structures fitted with solar panels, black flags, and fortified compounds, clear signs of insurgent resurgence and preparations for coordinated attacks.”

In response, NAF deployed strike aircraft to execute a series of coordinated air interdictions, targeting high-value terrorist infrastructure such as logistics depots, command centres, and defensive shelters.

“Several terrorists were neutralised in the operation, effectively disrupting their supply chain and diminishing their capability to sustain further offensives,” Gabkwet said.

He reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and restoring peace to conflict-affected regions.

“The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute to sustain ongoing onslaught against terrorists and restore lasting peace to all troubled regions across the country.”